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MONTREAL ALUMNI EVENT HUGE SUCCESS: $100,000 RAISED The Melkonian Montreal Alumni held its 8th annual “Zvart Yerego” dinner party on Saturday May 15, 2004. More than 100 Melkoniantsi’s, friends and family had filled the hall. A group of Melkoniantsi’s and members of the Toronto alumni, together with teacher Mr. Sarkis Hamboyan, had arrived from Toronto specially to be present at the event. Ms. Silva Paboujian, chair-person of the Montreal Alumni, welcomed those present and briefly explained that unlike previous years, this would be a fund-raising event, in light of the imminent closure of the school. Then Ms. Hermig Yogurtian outlined the details surrounding the issue of the closure of the Melkonian Educational Institute, and stressed on the importance that this was the moment of recompense for every responsible Melkoniansti, each according to his abilities, to participate in the efforts of saving the school. Mr. Ara Koolian took the podium next. He highlighted the fiscal and financial implications related to the lack of transparency by the AGBU Central Board to matters relating to the Melkonian. Mr. Koolian had made a very conservative estimate based on the last financial report made public by the AGBU, in 1957, according to which the current interest alone from the trust fund should be enough to cover the running costs of the school. Pledges and donations started to be announced soon after. The mood of sad resignation swiftly turned to one of defiance and commitment by all present to participate in the process of preventing the closure of the school. Within half an hour, $25,000 was donated. Moreover, the Melkonian Montreal Alumni pledged a contribution of $75,000 annually to the Melkonian Educational Institute, for the next ten years, if the decision is reversed and MEI stays open as an Armenian Boarding school for Secondary Education. The ambiance was elated. The real party then began to the beats of lively Armenian music and continued into the early hours of the morning. MELKONIAN MONTREAL ALUMNI
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